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Senior Research Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

ASSOCIATE, EQUITY RESEARCH

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Equity Research Associates will receive mentorship from the Research department Senior Equity Research Associates and Directors, as well as the firm's Investment Consultants. The role may require ...

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Senior Clinical Research Associate As Clinical Research Associate you will be responsible for monitoring clinical trials and ensuring investigators are conducting the research within requirements of ...

Be Seen First

Senior Clinical Research Associate As Clinical Research Associate you will be responsible for monitoring clinical trials and ensuring investigators are conducting the research within requirements of ...

ASSOCIATE, EQUITY RESEARCH

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Equity Research Associates will receive mentorship from the Research department Senior Equity Research Associates and Directors, as well as the firm's Investment Consultants. The role may require ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Research Associate information

See Colorado salary details

$23

$47

$68

How much do senior research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior research associate in Colorado is $47.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.95 and $53.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior research associate?

A senior research associate is a clinical or social scientist who runs experiments or studies at a medical center, think tank, university, or for a pharmaceutical company. As a senior research associate, your job duties include performing clinical research, complex testing of samples, data collection, and analysis of results. In this job, you direct researchers in your lab and collaborate with other scientific professionals to design experiments or compare results. Qualifications and skills needed for this career include a bachelor’s degree in a field related to your work and several years of experience as a research associate. A master’s degree or Ph.D. with significant research or laboratory components can substitute for some job experience.

What is a senior research associate?

A Senior Research Associate is an experienced professional who leads and conducts advanced research projects within academic, scientific, or corporate environments. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing data, supervising junior staff, and contributing to publications and grant proposals. Senior Research Associates often act as key members of research teams, providing expertise and ensuring projects are completed efficiently and accurately. Their role requires a strong background in their field, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior research associate?

To thrive as a Senior Research Associate, you need advanced research skills, data analysis expertise, and a relevant degree (often a master's or PhD) in a scientific or technical field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and compliance with regulatory standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate research outcomes, fostering innovation, and supporting collaboration within research teams.

What are some common challenges faced by senior research associates in managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Senior Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can make prioritization and time management challenging. Balancing hands-on experimental work, data analysis, and documentation while meeting project deadlines requires strong organizational skills and clear communication with team members. Proactively coordinating with principal investigators and cross-functional teams helps ensure that expectations are aligned, resources are available, and progress stays on track. Utilizing project management tools and regular team meetings can also aid in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Senior Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectSenior Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, relevant experienceMaster's or Ph.D., specialized research training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research teams, industry or academiaAdvanced research settings, independent projects
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, governmentResearch institutions, biotech firms, academia
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career progression, responsibilitiesMore specialized, higher-level research roles

The main difference between a Senior Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their experience, level of independence, and research responsibilities. Senior Research Associates typically support research projects with substantial experience, while Research Scientists often lead projects and require advanced degrees like a Ph.D. for more independent research roles. Both roles are vital in research environments, but Research Scientists usually hold a higher level of expertise and responsibility.

Do I need a PhD to be a senior research associate?

A senior research associate typically does not require a PhD, but many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or equivalent experience in the relevant field. Relevant skills, research experience, and technical proficiency often play a more significant role than the highest degree held.

How much does a senior research associate make in the US?

A senior research associate in the US typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Salaries can vary based on the organization and whether the role requires specialized skills or advanced degrees.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Research Associate jobs in Colorado?

For Senior Research Associate jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Research Associate jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Research Associate jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Senior Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Senior Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Research Associate job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,514 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Research Associates I, II, III, IV and Senior - Department of Chemistry Open Pool

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$30K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

462nd of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary

The Department of Chemistry at Colorado State University seeks applications for temporary or special Research Associate I, II, III, IV or Senior positions in the areas of analytical, biological, chemistry education, inorganic, materials, organic, or physical chemistry.

Research Associates work under the direction of individual faculty members and contribute to ongoing research activities specific to each lab. Duties, funding source, appointment length, and work modality (in-person, hybrid, or remote) vary by faculty lab.

A detailed description of the department and information on specific faculty research programs within the department are available on the department website at:https://www.chem.colostate.edu/

Work Unit Description

The Department of Chemistry has an international reputation for excellence in research across a broad array of disciplines, including analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, materials and physical chemistry. Ph.D. graduates receive world-class training, participate in cutting-edge (and often interdisciplinary) research projects, and are employed at all levels of academia and industry around the globe. The faculty also enjoy an award-winning reputation for teaching excellence. Undergraduate students benefit both from access to this classroom expertise and from a long tradition of substantive undergraduate participation in research. The Department's research efforts are supported by a state-of-the-art Analytical Resources Core that provides 24/7 student access to shared instrumentation.

Salary Range

$30,000 - $55,000

Essential Job Duties

Essential job duties vary depending on the hiring laboratory and research program, but may include:

  • Conducting laboratory or computational research activities.

  • Collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.

  • Assisting with experimental design and protocol implementation.

  • Maintaining laboratory equipment, materials, and documentation.

  • Contributing to manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

  • Collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, and other research personnel.

Specific duties will be defined at the time of hire by the supervising faculty member.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires).

Supervision

This position reports to a faculty member within the Department of Chemistry. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline.

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U. S. A. by the proposed start date,andfor the full dates of the appointment.

  • The Department of Chemistry does not guarantee financial visa support for hires from this pool.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications vary by laboratory and may include:

  • Prior research experience in a relevant physical science discipline

  • Experience with laboratory or computational research methods

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment

  • Experience with data analysis, scientific writing, or specialized research techniques relevant to the hiring lab

Application Instructions

Interested individuals must submit in pdf format:

  • A current resume;

  • A statement of research interests

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 PM (MT) on December 31, 2026. This is an open pool posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants will be contacted if a suitable opportunity becomes available. This pool will expire on December 31, 2026. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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